Head of Aero

Zipline•South San Francisco, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As Head of Aerodynamics, you will be responsible for the team that manipulates the air around Zipline's autonomous aircraft. This role is central to Zipline’s autonomous aircraft hardware and software development, encompassing everything from clean-sheet vehicle conceptual layout to the detailed geometry design of all wetted surfaces. You will utilize a variety of model-based and physical test approaches. In addition to your proven record of building and managing small teams, you’ll have world-class experience in solving vehicle aerodynamic design challenges, with an unrivaled grasp of the fundamentals of applied aerodynamics, aircraft design, and aeroacoustics.

Requirements

Minimum of 6+ years of industry experience.
Proven people leader or readiness to own and develop a small team (5-7 direct reports).
Detailed flow analysis via Computational Fluid Dynamics using packages such as Fluent, Star-CCM+, openFOAM, powerFlow.
Generative design of three-dimensional aerodynamic objects, using advanced surfacing techniques in packages such as CATIA or NX.
Hands-on experimental aerodynamics, including wind tunnel testing, flow visualizations, pressure measurements, optical flow diagnostics, and load measurement.
Use of low and mid fidelity tools for basic aircraft sizing, such as XFOIL, XROTOR, OpenVSP, RCAS.
Fundamental understanding of a range of aero fundamentals, including: vortex dynamics, boundary layers, turbulence, finite wing theory, aircraft dynamics, three-dimensional flow separation, propeller theory, aeroacoustics, heat and mass transfer, internal flows, fan theory.
Disciplined and first-principles approach with a deep understanding at the system and product levels.
Natural curiosity and ability to work seamlessly with individuals and teams both inside and outside of core engineering/scientific discipline.
Eligible to work in the US.
Ability to travel globally as needed.

Responsibilities

Leading and developing the team responsible for conceptual design for new vehicles and significant hardware revisions of existing platforms.
Building high-quality aerodynamics plant models validated through ground- and flight-based testing.
Advanced surfacing of all wetted surfaces (external and internal) for mechanical designers.
Propeller designs focused on low noise and high aerodynamic efficiency.
Designing and maintaining test hardware and methods, including internal wind tunnels, bench test set-ups, instrumented flight test assets, and aero measurement tools.